Nov 7 Book Review: Get Real by John S. Leonard

I picked up this kindle book because I believed something that is untrue. I believed that I wasn't good at "evangelizing". What I realized as I read, is that while I'm not particularly good at convincing a total stranger about their need for Jesus, I can listen and lead them to admit their need for Him. This book was helpful in fleshing this idea out.

What I liked

Throughout the book, the author reminded the reader that evangelism is (and should be in my opinion) more than just a memorized list of verses that are spewed out in hope of guilting someone into some type of conversion. Rather it's more about listening to where they are at and leading them with great grace and humility to see that what they are looking for is found in Jesus; expecting Him to do what only He can; change their hearts.

And again, throughout the book, the author reminds the reader of the importance of knowing this grace personally and be growing in it itimately. This requires us to be honest about our own struggles as those we share with struggle themselves. In doing so we point them to Jesus, not us. We also point them to their need for community, because it takes that community a lifetime to make a disciple.

What I didn't like

I didn't like the way the author challenged the traditional method of evangelism that I grew up with. It made me uncomfortable ... at first. It seemed "stand-offish". As if to say, "My way is better than your way!"

What I realized is that I was trying to protect my broken and often failing way of thinking about evangelism. I had it in my head that this is what I was taught at Bible college, so it must be right.

In the end, there is more than one way to evangelize. Some are better than others. Some work better for some people than others. Don't get so stuck in your way of thinking about it that it can't be challenged or improved upon.

Conclusion

I would recommend this book to anyone who doesn't feel they have the "gift of evangelism" or aren't confident in their ability to evangelize. It will calm both of those extremes. Read this book, you will be encouraged.

Best Quote

To shape the gospel we look, listen, and ask questions. In doing so we're also telling the other person that we care deeply about him. We have a clear idea of what the real issue is, we can shape the gospel around his question or concern.

What I like about this is spelled out in the first sentence; listen and ask questions. We aren't making them listen to our presentation, we're taking the gospel to them. We are bring the gospel to their context.

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